Magnus Racing Takes Delivery of First Porsche 991 GT America

Isn't social media a wonderful thing? This morning Magnus Racing posted the news to Instagram that they had taken delivery of their new 2014 991 GT America for use in the Tudor United Sports Car Championship GT Daytona class. Arriving 'fresh off the boat' this morning, the team has plenty of time to prepare their car, and a new livery, before the Roar Before the 24 test sessions taking place January 3rd through the 5th.

With all of the uncertainty still surrounding TUSCC, it is reassuring to know that the whimsical, yet professional, Magnus Racing will be joining us again next year in a Porsche. The new GT America replaces their old GRAND-AM specification 997 GT3 Cup car. Their old car was unceremoniously stuffed in the last round of the season, denying Magnus Racing the team championship they deserved.

Hopefully this new Porsche will bring a bit more luck than Magnus has had in the last few seasons. In case it doesn't the new car is significantly safer than the old one, including a removable roof hatch for emergency extractions.

With a 4.0 liter flat-six, a new sequential gearbox, and an all new suspension setup, this Porsche should help Magnus keep moving forward. While it will be a challenge getting used to the differences between the old chassis and the new one, the 991 is worlds better than the 997 GT3 Cup it replaces (according to those who have driven it). Primary improvements are found in the chassis design, suspension setup, and aerodynamics departments, hopefully bringing the Porsche back on level with GT3 class competition from BMW, Audi, Chevrolet, and the others.

It is not clear who else will be receiving a Porsche 991 GT America in time for next season, but I'd keep an eye on Flying Lizard, Alex Job, and NGT for details. It has been announced, however, that TRG will be fielding Aston Martins next year, stepping away from Porsche competition full stop. Magnus does, in fact, have the distinction of the only Porsche team in GRAND-AM to have won a race since 2011, and here's hoping they can continue winning, drop the bad luck and pick up the inaugural United Sports Car Championship for themselves and Porsche.

It's interesting that the GT America arrives shod with Michelin slicks when the GTD class requires use of Continental tires, and without the TUSCC specific rear wing element.